[ Xiao's eyes widen when Haruka's hands go on his cheeks. Normally, he's the one that does the comforting and reassuring, with Haruka. It's strange for it to happen in reverse.
No one's ever told him that before, though. No one's told him that it's okay to cry, that he's not weak because he couldn't keep her safe or because he wants to sit with his feelings for a while. Xiao is a warrior, a slaughterer, a protector. And despite his minimal interaction with people, he knows that he wouldn't want just anyone to see him like this. So Xiao, who's gotten so used to suppressing his emotions, just doesn't know how to respond.
But he doesn't have to.
His eyes start getting watery again. He didn't will it to happen; it just did. And here, outside of Teyvat, where Xiao is just another victim of circumstance despite not wanting to victimize himself at all...he's really starting to learn what it means to open up.
It's why he lets out a shaky breath, closes his eyes, and quietly lets his tears fall. ]
no subject
No one's ever told him that before, though. No one's told him that it's okay to cry, that he's not weak because he couldn't keep her safe or because he wants to sit with his feelings for a while. Xiao is a warrior, a slaughterer, a protector. And despite his minimal interaction with people, he knows that he wouldn't want just anyone to see him like this. So Xiao, who's gotten so used to suppressing his emotions, just doesn't know how to respond.
But he doesn't have to.
His eyes start getting watery again. He didn't will it to happen; it just did. And here, outside of Teyvat, where Xiao is just another victim of circumstance despite not wanting to victimize himself at all...he's really starting to learn what it means to open up.
It's why he lets out a shaky breath, closes his eyes, and quietly lets his tears fall. ]